AWARDED DFC: 1
CONFLICT/SPACE FLIGHT/EVENT:  -
MODEL:  -

Citation:  1.) The Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism, while participating in aerial flight, witnessed by voluntary actions above and beyond the call of duty in the Republic of Vietnam: 1st Lt. Siedor distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 22 January 1972 while serving as the Aircraft Commander aboard an unarmed Medical Evacuation Helicopter. On 22 January 1972 members of the 16th Popular Forces Regiment sustained heavy casualties while engaged in fierce contact with a Viet Cong Battalion in Kien Hoa Province, Republic of Vietnam. Dust-off 79, commanded by Lieutenant Siedor was summoned to evacuate a seriously wounded Army Republic of Vietnam Soldier from a besieged outpost held by the Popular Forces. The first attempt to extract the wounded patient nearly met with disaster when the unarmed Medevac ship received a heavy amount of enemy automatic weapons fire as it approached the pickup site. Barely evading the withering fusillade of fire, the Dust-off aircraft outdistanced the barrage, and Lt. Siedor, assuming the aircraft controls from his pilot, returned to the pickup site and executed a highly sophisticated, tactical approach to the pickup site in the dark, moonless night. This second attempt had to be aborted as well when a massive hail of mortar rounds began impacting in and around the landing zone, making the destruction of the aircraft imminent. After securing gunship cover, 1st Lt. Siedor and his crew returned once more to the pickup site, determined to make the evacuation of the now failing patient. On the third approach into the landing zone 1st Lt. Siedor elected to refrain from using his landing lights in an effort to avoid the hostile fire. 1st Lt. Siedor masterfully flew his aircraft into the landing zone with little difficulty with the verbal aid and directions of his crew members The urgent patient was securely loaded aboard, and as the Dust-off ship departed the landing zone it was met with another barrage of mortar fire. 1st Lt. Siedor immediately responded by rolling his aircraft into sharp left and right rolling banks to escape the explosions, and in doing so guaranteed the safe success of the mission. 1st Lt. Siedor's outstanding flying abilities and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service, and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army. Christopher M. Siedor is a member of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society.